Some Browsers Deserve to Stay Closed
We often don’t even give a second look at the browser we use, with many of us simply using whatever comes pre-installed on our devices. But a good browser should make the internet feel easier to use, and not every option has earned that trust. Instead of just settling for what’s in front of you, let’s dive into the best and worst options on the market.
1. Internet Explorer
Well, we all knew this was coming. Sure, Internet Explorer still has name recognition, but that doesn’t make it a good browser. Microsoft retired the Internet Explorer 11 desktop app in 2022, which means regular users shouldn’t be treating it like a modern gateway to the web. You might still see it referenced for old business tools or legacy government sites, but for normal browsing, and that’s a good thing.
2. Microsoft Edge Legacy
Hilariously, Explorer was supposed to walk so Microsoft Edge Legacy could run, but it never felt like the browser Windows users wanted. It had compatibility issues, weaker extension support than Chrome, and enough friction that Microsoft eventually replaced it with the Chromium-based Edge.
3. Safari For Windows
Don’t get us wrong—Safari is perfectly reasonable on Apple devices, but if you have it for Windows, that’s a different story entirely. Apple stopped offering Safari updates for Windows years ago, with Safari 5.1.7 left as the final Windows version, so if you’re using it on a PC now, you’re just opting for an outdated browser.
4. UC Browser
UC Browser became popular on mobile because it promised two big-ticket items: speed and data savings. However, privacy concerns made it hard to recommend. For American users who can easily choose other big guys, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Safari, there’s no good reason to accept that baggage.
Howard Bouchevereau on Unsplash
5. Maxthon
Maxthon has long tried to stand out with cloud syncing and a feature-heavy interface, but it, too, suffers from a shaky privacy history. Researchers reported in 2016 that Maxthon transmitted sensitive user information, including browsing data, even when users had opted out of certain sharing. Call us crazy, but that’s not something we want to deal with.
6. Comodo Chromodo
Comodo Chromodo is one of those browsers that sounded safer because it came from a security company…and that’s how it tricked you. Researchers reported that Chromodo actually disabled the same-origin policy, which was a key browser security protection; when a browser marketed around safety breaks basic security, you shouldn’t need a second warning.
7. Avast Secure Browser
Avast’s entire privacy record makes its browser’s branding way more complicated. The FTC finalized an order in 2024 banning Avast from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising after allegations involving its subsidiary Jumpshot. Even if the browser itself has useful protections, we wouldn’t blame you for being skeptical.
8. AOL Shield Pro
AOL Shield Pro was built for users who wanted extra protection on older Windows machines, and while that sounds good, it doesn’t mean they got it. Never forget that AOL itself said its dial-up service and related software would be discontinued in 2025, making this one nothing more than part of a fading legacy.
9. Samsung Internet For Windows
Samsung Internet on Windows has been messy enough to raise some eyebrows over the years. The Windows version randomly appeared through Microsoft’s store, then mysteriously disappeared, and then later returned in a more limited beta-style rollout for certain markets, including the States. You’re not the only one who prefers a stable track record.
Daniel Eliashevskyi on Unsplash
10. Opera Neon
Opera Neon may push AI browsing, but that doesn’t automatically make it good. Early coverage of the new Neon described confusing AI features, inconsistent behavior, and a paid setup that asks users to basically put their trust in a developing product. Long story short, Neon’s more experimental than practical.
With some of the duds out of the way, let’s explore a few browsers that still know how to deliver.
1. Google Chrome
Google Chrome remains the browser most people recognize first, and that matters when you want things to work without much adjustment. It also has tons of bonus features, like Chrome Web Store support, Google Password Manager, profile syncing, and Safety Check tools that make it especially practical if you already use anything from the Google Suite.
2. Mozilla Firefox
Firefox might not seem like a name you’ve heard in a while, but it earns its spot by giving you a major browser that doesn’t rely on Chromium. If you care about extensions and reader-friendly browsing, it has you covered there, too. It also provides a more independent web experience, making Firefox one of the easiest recommendations.
3. Brave
Brave is a smart pick when you want stronger privacy defaults without turning browser setup into a weekend project. Brave Shields blocks plenty of ads, trackers, fingerprinting attempts, and phishing risks right away, which gives you a cleaner experience on sites that usually feel like they’re after your data. You also get practical extras like Brave Search, Brave Talk, and the Leo AI assistant.
4. Vivaldi
Do you have a thousand tabs at all times? Vivaldi is built for that. It comes complete with Tab Stacks, split-screen Tab Tiling, notes, and deep interface customization, making it useful for school or work dashboards alike. Okay, yes, you may spend more time setting it up than you would with Chrome, but that effort pays off.
5. DuckDuckGo Browser
Fun name aside, DuckDuckGo Browser is a strong option for users who want privacy tools in a simple package. It includes all the good stuff, like private search, tracker blocking, cookie protection, and a Fire Button that clears recent browsing data quickly. It’s also good for someone who wants fewer companies following them around the web.
Tor project, DuckDuckGo on Wikimedia
6. Tor Browser
We know that Tor Browser isn’t the fastest option, but it’s one of the most important for privacy. And no, this isn’t just some deep web thing, either. It routes traffic through the Tor network and includes protections against fingerprinting, such as letterboxing and first-party isolation, which helps make users harder to identify online and protects your personal information.
7. Mullvad Browser
On the other hand, Mullvad Browser gives privacy-focused users another solid option without browsing through the Tor network itself. It was developed with the Tor Project and is designed to reduce tracking and fingerprinting, especially for users who want to pair it with a VPN.
8. LibreWolf
If you don’t like Firefox but still want a more privacy-hardened setup, LibreWolf is for you. It removes data collection and uses privacy-conscious search options such as DuckDuckGo, Searx, and Qwant. Just keep in mind the trade-off: some convenience features are stripped away.
9. Floorp
Floorp takes Firefox’s foundation and adds the customization that users usually only get through extensions. That means you’ll score workspaces, flexible interface controls, vertical tabs, and container-friendly organization, which makes it useful for separating work accounts from personal browsing.
10. Arc
You may not have heard of it before, but that’s because Arc is one of the more distinctive modern browsers—and it treats tabs, pinned sites, and split views as core parts of the experience. It won’t be the best fit for everyone, but if you want something more organized than a traditional tab bar, it’s worth trying on Windows or Mac.
